New DNI Set to Tackle Over-Classification

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DennisBlair.jpgOver-classification and pseudo-classification are largely unknown but very serious problems in this country, ones that were made drastically worse during the Bush years. For additional information, see Chapter C in this report [pdf] from the 21st Century Right to Know project. We’re lucky that the man slated to become the next Director of National Intelligence, Adm. Dennis C. Blair, apparently agrees. Not only that, Blair understands that the Bush Administration’s use of over-classification and pseudo-classification was a product of both incompetence and, as Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse describes, an effort “to mislead the public and to frame, or more particularly, mis-frame, an outside political debate.” Blair’s committed to changing all of that, and I have to say, I’m happily surprised.

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“Lying.” “Disgusting.” “Scum.” “Slime.” “Corrupt.” “Enemy of the people.” Donald Trump has always made clear what he thinks of journalists. And it’s plain now that his administration intends to do everything it can to stop journalists from reporting things they don’t like—which is most things that are true.

No one gets to tell Mother Jones what to publish or not publish, because no one owns our fiercely independent newsroom. But that also means we need to directly raise the resources it takes to keep our journalism alive. There’s only one way for that to happen, and it’s readers like you stepping up. Please help with a donation today if you can—even a few bucks will make a real difference. A monthly gift would be incredible.

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